Entries in Lawrence F. "Larry" O'Brien
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Jul062009

Lawrence F. "Larry" O'Brien

Enshrined 1991Springfield, MAJuly 7, 1917 - September 27, 1990

Biography

A former postmaster general, a special assistant to Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, and the national chairman of the Democratic Party, Larry O' Brien made the transition from politics to sports in 1975 by becoming NBA commissioner. O'Brien's contributions to the world of basketball are enormous. He spearheaded the merger of the American Basketball Association with the NBA, signed a lucrative television contract with CBS, negotiated a historic collective bargaining agreement with the NBA Players Association, and modified the college draft. Under O'Brien, the NBA expanded from eighteen to 23 teams and in 1979 adopted the three-point play. The league championship trophy is named after him. Although O'Brien spent most of his professional life outside the world of sports, his contributions and impact on basketball's continued welfare will be his legacy.